The new animal shelter in Independence is another step closer to finally opening.

Monday afternoon, members of the Jackson County Legislature handed the keys to the 28,000-square-foot building to animal welfare organization Great Plains SPCA. The nonprofit group was named as the operator of the new shelter last December.

Great Plains SPCA already operates a veterinary clinic, pet adoption facility and lost pet center in Merriam. Officials at Great Plains SPCA have said that its additional Independence campus will help transform the Kansas City metro into a “no-kill” animal welfare community.

The organization will begin transferring animals from the current Independence animal shelter to the new one (21001 E. 78 Highway) on Monday, April 8. The public is then invited to a grand opening on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 11 a.m. As part of the celebration, Great Plains SPCA will offer half-price pet adoptions, discounts at its new retail store, family activities, drawings and more. The specials and activities continue on Sunday, April 14.

The new shelter offers spacious living quarters with natural sunlight and indoor/outdoor play areas. A veterinary clinic is also part of the seven-acre campus. In addition, there will be a volunteer center, increased work space and the aforementioned retail store. The store will sell a variety of pet supplies, including toys, treats, leashes and kennels.

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Kimberley Wall is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. She's the winner of the 2010 AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award, presented by the DWAA. Her past media work includes serving as editor of the "Mastiff Club of America Journal." She was an MCOA member for almost 15 years, earning a service award from the club in 1998. Her family includes Ringo, a former shelter dog. Contact Kimberley at kcdogsexaminer@sbcglobal.net.